It took me 3 years to break in my Adidas Stan Smiths and make them look loved (read: distressed).
Typing in “SSENSE.com” into Safari, clicking on “Golden Goose,” taking out my credit card, and ordering…
Took 3 seconds to take my Golden Goose sneakers out of the box and have them look all ready loved (hint: they’re pre-distressed).
… but without those 3 years of loving, do I still love these sneakers?
Golden Goose Superstar Sneaker REVIEW
Golden Goose Sneaker SIZING
For comparison, here’s what I take in other American and French/European shoes…
Adidas Stan Smiths: US 8
By Far Boots: IT 39
Chanel Ballet Flats: FR 39
Isabel Marant Dickers: FR 39
Nike Sneakers: US 8.5
Repetto Flats: FR 39.5
Ugg Boots: US 8
My Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers are a size IT 39 and fit me perfectly with a thin sock.
Golden Goose Super Star sneakers run true to European/French size.
… and an older sizing photo for posterity.
Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers, Comfort, and You
Here’s the #1 thing that retailers don’t tell you: the Superstar sneakers have a hidden wedge.
The hidden wedge inside is ~1.25”.
This is a good thing if you want a little extra height or the support that a wedge can offer….
The wedge heel is comfortable to walk in. It’s also removable, so you can easily swap it out for a flat one from Dr. Scholl’s if you’d prefer.
The backs of these sneakers have a little cushion, which stops them from digging into the back of your ankle (for what it’s worth, the back of Stan Smiths dig into the back of my ankles).
Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers weigh 654 grams or 1.44 lbs vs. Adidas Stan Smiths weigh 649 grams or 1.43 lbs… basically, they’re super light for sneakers.
My Golden Goose Superstar sneakers didn’t require any break in time because they are all ready pre-distressed.
They are perfectly comfortable walking in straight out of the box.
Wait, These Dirty Sneakers are $495?? What???
To be fair, you can ask that question about anything in the luxury world.
Chanel’s version of Stan Smiths are $850. Gucci’s version, the Ace, start at $580 and go up to $1250. Saint Laurent’s, the Court Classic, are $595.
Golden Goose’s sneakers are handmade in Italy.
Those scuffs? Also handmade…
Does that justify the price? Well, only you can decide that.
The only issue I have with how distressed these shoes are is that they tend to wear out a bit fast.
For instance, the sole is lightly scuffed near the heel. That makes them more comfortable to walk in, but it also encourages them to become more worn quicker.
How can I get Golden Goose Sneakers on Sale?
Like a recipe, read all of these steps before you make a move…
Golden Goose sneakers (especially the whacky embellished ones) sometimes go on sale.
If you can’t wait for sale season, or if you’re holding out for the simple white ones, here’s how you can always save money…
Let’s start by keeping these retailers that carry GGDB in mind:
MyTheresa
Shopbop extra email % off
SSENSE
Step 1: Sign Up To An Email List
Some of the above retailers have a “X% off your first purchase if you sign up to our newsletter” offer via a pop up window.
Sign up for their newsletter if its your first time and get that coupon code! (Otherwise, sign up via a different email address — that normally works…)
Step 2: Meet Rakuten
Rakuten is a luxury cash back service that’ll give you anywhere from 2%-15% back from your purchase depending on the retailer, plus a sign up bonus of $20.
Basically Rakuten (or Jewel, which closed) is eBates for ~cool~ retailers.
I purchased my Golden Goose sneakers from SSENSE via a different cashback service (Jewel), but Rakuten would also totally work. My order came to $435 (SSENSE doesn’t do an extra email % off). I should receive $43 back, which basically makes these sneakers 10% off and makes up for a lack of an extra email % off.
I ordered the sneakers on February 8th.
SSENSE has a 14 day return policy and Jewel would pay confirmed orders every 2 months starting February 10th… so around April, I received my cashback.
Rakuten pays out their cashback every 3 months.
Alternatively, sometimes folks list their Superstars on Vestiaire Collective, where you can find them for a little bit less than retail.
How To Wear Golden Goose Sneakers
Like most sneakers, Golden Goose Superstars are incredibly easy to wear…
Left to Right: G. Label jumpsuit with Jennifer Fisher x Goop hoops, Celine sunglasses, and a Chanel Classic Handbag; RVCA x Camille Rowe dress with a Jenny Walton Daisy bracelet, Celine sunglasses, and a Chanel Classic Handbag; Kate Moss x Equipment sweater with MOTHER jeans, Celine sunglasses, Jenny Walton Daisy earrings, and a Saint Laurent basket bag; James Perse cardigan dress with a Lands End tote, and Celine sunglasses.
From jeans to maxi dresses, there’s something about them (read: the price tag) that make any outfit feel that much more Hamptons-y.
… and as seen on my Instagram.
PROS & CONS
Pros
–Wedge Heel: Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers were my jam in 2013, but a totally not obvious wedge? Reallllllly into it. They elongate the leg without anyone being wiser.
–No-to-Small Break-in Period: Basically no blisters right off the bat.
–No Need to Worry About Scuffing up: … because they’re all ready destroyed! OK, but seriously, you don’t have to worry about mucking them up too much.
Cons
–Standard Small Socks Show: Yeah a little sock might show. You just need to get a smaller pair.
My Adidas Stan Smiths are loaded with memories; “oh that scuff is from when I fell off a chair dancing,” or “yeah I dinged the toe when I tripped on the sidewalk, because I was busy watching James Murphy crossing the street…”
Golden Goose Superstar sneakers come pre-distressed, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna fill them with new memories.
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